Rapid, Reliable Isolation and Processing of Individual Cells for Genomic Analysis

Fluidigm recently unveiled the details of its new C1™ Single-Cell AutoPrep System to attendees at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) meeting in Yokohama, Japan. The C1 System, based on Fluidigm's innovative microfluidic technology, enables a researcher to isolate and process individual cells rapidly and reliably for genomic analysis. For the first time, a researcher can isolate cells, extract RNA, and then reverse transcribe and preamplify mRNA transcripts automatically to enable detection and analysis of cell activity. The C1 System will be introduced in Europe at the European Human Genetics (ESHG) conference in Nuremberg, Germany, starting June 23, 2012.

Fluidigm has become a leader in the emerging field of single-cell genomics with its widely adopted BioMark™ and BioMark HD Systems, enabling scientists to routinely examine previously unavailable genomic signatures generated from a single cell. The stem cell research community in Japan, and indeed around the world, has been an important early customer group exploring single cells. Stem cell, cancer and immunology research are expected to be the initial focus applications for the C1 System.

As part of its activities at ISSCR, Fluidigm also announced the start of its Early Access Program for the C1 System. The C1 System has been specifically designed to work seamlessly with the BioMark HD System to enhance the workflow and reliability of data for scientists studying single-cell genomics. The Early Access Program allows select customers the opportunity to receive the first commercial shipments during the second half of 2012 before shipment to the broader group of customers. In addition to being the first to utilize the new technology, Early Access Program partners will be provided with no-cost startup consumables, participate in the development of new platform capabilities, and receive pre-market access to future platform expansions. Researchers interested in the Early Access Program can register at www.fluidigm.com/c1system.